Dispute Over Jehovah's Witnesses Archive Must Be Reopened

The panel had sought a settlement

This assessment did not hold up to scrutiny by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH). Based on the findings to date, it cannot be assumed that the federal government acquired the archive in good faith, the Fifth Civil Senate ruled. A claim by the plaintiffs for the return of the archive cannot be ruled out. During the hearing in March, the Senate had urged the parties to reach a settlement.

Despite a detailed settlement offer from the Jehovah’s Witnesses, no agreement was reached, a spokesperson for the community said after the ruling was announced. Contrary to the court’s wishes, the proceedings will now drag on further. However, they remain confident that Annemarie Kusserow’s last will and testament will ultimately be honored.

During the Nazi era, Jehovah’s Witnesses refused to give the Hitler salute or send their children to the Hitler Youth. Many refused to perform military service. Beginning in 1933, they were persecuted by the Nazis. Thousands were deported, imprisoned, and tortured. At least 1,700 lost their lives. On Wednesday, a memorial was dedicated in Berlin to commemorate the persecution of and resistance by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

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